ClearFuze https://clearfuze.com/ IT Services Los Angeles Tue, 25 Oct 2022 17:57:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://396e5e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/cropped-CF_BADGE_rd_512x512-1-32x32.png ClearFuze https://clearfuze.com/ 32 32 How Much Does Outsourcing IT Support Cost in Los Angeles? https://clearfuze.com/blog/how-much-does-outsourcing-it-support-cost-in-los-angeles/ Tue, 25 Oct 2022 17:54:56 +0000 https://clearfuze.com/?p=2175 IT support is a central function of any small or medium-sized business. It can also, however, be a significant expense. Outsourcing IT support can help reduce costs while still providing quality service. So, how much does outsourcing IT support cost in Los Angeles? The answer depends on the size and needs of your business, as [...]

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IT support is a central function of any small or medium-sized business. It can also, however, be a significant expense. Outsourcing IT support can help reduce costs while still providing quality service. So, how much does outsourcing IT support cost in Los Angeles? The answer depends on the size and needs of your business, as well as the specific services you require.

The benefits of outsourcing IT support include having access to a team of experts, saving money on infrastructure costs, and freeing up internal resources to focus on other areas of the business.

Overall benefits of outsourcing IT support include the following:

  • Improved efficiency and productivity
  • Better focus on your core business
  • Access to expert knowledge and resources
  • Reduced capital expenditure

Let’s discuss each of those advantages before proceeding — since we’re discussing a major investment, it’s worthy of the deep dive.

Benefits of Local IT Support Outsourcing

Some companies choose to keep their IT in-house. They feel that they can save money this way or that they need to maintain full control over their data and systems. However, there are several compelling reasons to outsource IT support, particularly if your company is based in Los Angeles.

Improved Efficiency and Productivity

Outsourcing IT support can lead to improved efficiency and productivity for your company in several ways.

First, you’ll have access to a team of experts who can provide timely and accurate support when you need it.

Second, you won’t have to worry about maintaining your own infrastructure, which can be a time-consuming and costly endeavor.

Third, by freeing up internal resources, you can focus on other areas of the business that may be more productive.

Improved efficiency and productivity are two of the most important benefits of outsourcing IT support. By having access to a team of experts and freeing up internal resources, you can focus on other areas of the business that may be more productive.

In addition, outsourcing IT support can help improve your bottom line. Studies have shown that businesses that outsource IT support save an average of 30% on their overall IT costs.

The bottom line is that outsourcing IT support can improve your company’s efficiency and productivity, while also saving you money.

Better focus on your core business

Another important benefit of outsourcing IT support is that it can help you focus on your core business.

When you outsource IT support, you’re entrusting the care of your systems and data to a team of experts. This frees up your internal resources to focus on other aspects of the business, such as sales, marketing, and product development.

Let the IT experts handle the technical stuff while you focus on what you do best.

In addition, by outsourcing IT support, you can avoid the common pitfalls that can come with managing your own IT infrastructure. These include costly downtime, data breaches, and compliance violations.

Outsourcing IT support can help you focus on your core business by freeing up internal resources and avoiding the common pitfalls of managing your own IT infrastructure.

Access To Expert Knowledge and Resources

When you outsource IT support, you have access to a team of expert professionals who can provide timely and accurate support.

This is especially beneficial for businesses that don’t have an in-house IT team. Outsourcing IT support can help you avoid the high costs of hiring and training your own staff.

In addition, when you outsource IT support, you can tap into a larger pool of resources. This includes access to the latest technology and best practices.

Outsourcing IT support can help you reduce costs, while still providing quality service. It can also help you avoid the common pitfalls of managing your own IT infrastructure.

The bottom line is that outsourcing IT support can save you money while providing access to expert knowledge and resources.

Reduced Capital Expenditure

Outsourcing IT support can help reduce your capital expenditure.

When you outsource IT support, you don’t have to worry about the high costs of maintaining your own infrastructure. This includes the costs of hardware, software, and licenses.

In addition, by outsourcing IT support, you can avoid the need for expensive upgrades and expansions. This is because you’ll be able to tap into the latest technology and best practices without having to make a large upfront investment.

Outsourcing IT support can help reduce your capital expenditure by freeing up internal resources and avoiding the need for expensive upgrades and expansions.

How Much Does Business Tech Support Cost in Los Angeles?

With that background information laid out, it’s time to turn to the actual costs of doing business with outsourced IT. The typical IT firm  in Los Angeles will charge between $100 and $200 per hour.

For example, one IT company in Los Angeles charges a minimum of $125 per hour for on-site support and $100 per hour for remote support. Another company charges a flat rate of $145 per hour for on-site support and $135 per hour for remote support.

The costs will vary depending on the size of your business, the scope of work, and the location. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per hour for IT support in Los Angeles.

Outsourced IT Costs for Small Businesses

For small businesses, outsourcing IT support can also start at around $100 per month. This can include basic services such as virus protection and data backup. More comprehensive plans that include regular maintenance and updates can cost between $500 and $1,000 per month.

However, this number can vary depending on the size of your business and the scope of services you need.  For example, a small business with 10 employees may only need basic IT support for $100 per month. But a small business with 20 employees may need more comprehensive support for $500 per month.

Other factors that can cause the cost of outsourced IT support to rise suddenly include things like data breaches, which can be very costly to fix. And if your business is subject to regulatory compliance, the cost of outsourced IT support can also increase.

Big office moves and systems changes, such as upgrading to a new version of Microsoft Office, can also cause the cost of IT support to increase.

Outsourced IT Costs for Medium and Large Businesses

The cost of outsourcing IT support will vary depending on the size and complexity of your business and the level of service you require.  A typical medium-sized business can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 per month for outsourced IT support.

Factors that can affect these costs include the number of employees, the geographical spread of your workforce, and the level of support you need.  For example, a medium-sized business with 100 employees in two locations may need more comprehensive support than a business with 500 employees in one location.

Similarly, a business with 500 employees in one location may need less support than a business with 1,000 employees in two locations. The cost of IT support will also be affected by the level of service you require.

For example, if you only require basic IT support, such as virus protection and data backup, you can expect to pay less than if you require more comprehensive support, such as regular maintenance and updates.

And if your business is subject to regulatory compliance or faces other challenges, such as data breaches, the cost of IT support can increase. Clients in healthcare, for example,  often face higher IT support costs than other businesses.

For larger businesses, the costs will be higher. Plans that include more comprehensive services such as server management and network monitoring can start at $2,000 per month and go up steeply from there.

Assessing the Cost of Outsourced IT for Your Business

The best way to get an accurate estimate of the cost of outsourcing IT support for your business is to contact a few IT support companies in Los Angeles and get quotes.

When you do this, be sure to ask about all the services you need, such as virus protection, data backup, and regular maintenance. You should also ask about any special needs your business has, such as regulatory compliance or data breaches.

Once you have a few quotes, you can compare them and choose the IT support company that offers the best value for money.

When comparing quotes, remember to look at more than just the price. Consider the quality of service offered and the experience of the team. Also, check that the company is able to scale up its services as your business grows.

A Friendly Warning About Ad-Hoc IT Services

One major word of warning: beware of companies that offer ad-hoc IT services. These companies often have very low rates, but they also have very poor service.

Ad-hoc IT providers are often unqualified and inexperienced. They may not have the skills or knowledge to properly support your business. And if something goes wrong, you may have no recourse.

There are many dangers that lay along this path, if you choose to go with the cheaper and less experienced support option.  So, be very careful when selecting an IT support company. Make sure you choose a company with a good reputation and a proven track record.

Now that you know how much it costs to outsource IT support in Los Angeles, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is the right choice for your business.

It’s always better to pay a little more for a company that offers comprehensive IT support and has a good reputation. This will save you money in the long run and give you peace of mind knowing that your business is in good hands.

Have You Checked Out ClearFuze Yet?

There is one option we haven’t covered yet. That is the ClearONE Solution from ClearFuze. Rather than taking a risk with your outsourced IT, ClearONE is designed and customized to support your exacting IT needs.

IT support outsourcing in Los Angeles doesn’t get easier or clearer than our tailored solution built for small businesses in the healthcare, entertainment, finance, legal, and architecture fields.

We created ClearONE because of how confusing it can be to find good, solid, reliable IT support for a small business on a limited budget. So often we get calls from new clients who don’t understand why their email systems don’t work well — or they need a new office move and the cost of IT has suddenly skyrocketed. They’re dealing with laptop computers that crash with regularity and billing software featuring capabilities they don’t understand.

The ClearONE Solution is a far more affordable option which costs the same amount month to month for the same essential services, including:

  • Web and email hosting
  • VoIP phone services
  • Cloud services
  • Network infrastructure
  • Cybersecurity
  • Disaster recovery and data protection
  • Business continuity
  • Advanced applications

Advanced applications are a unique offering. Most of our competitors do not — or cannot — offer the ability to tailor existing software programs for a single business’s exact needs.

Mission Community Hospital’s Outsourced IT Needs

For example, ClearFuze utilized the ClearONE Solution to help independent Mission Community Hospital get through the pandemic. We implemented new electronic medical records software along with new scheduling and management systems.

We also organized and recalibrated the work being done with the hospital’s external IT vendors, a major money sucker for healthcare organizations. Finally, we moved Mission Community Hospital to a hybrid cloud tech stack and kept critical systems running smoothly in the midst of a global health crisis.

IT support in LA doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. It just has to WORK. That’s why we recommend learning more about the ClearONE Solution before considering our competitors. They’ll charge many more fees and are generally much harder to work with because they aren’t local and aren’t available every hour of every day.

We are! ClearFuze attends to your IT needs 24/7/365. Contact us today to get better, smarter IT.

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The Biggest Cybersecurity Threats to Watch Out For in 2023 https://clearfuze.com/blog/biggest-cybersecurity-threats/ Tue, 25 Oct 2022 17:39:27 +0000 https://clearfuze.com/?p=2172 As the world becomes increasingly digitized, cybersecurity threats are becoming more and more prevalent. Cybercriminals are able to move quickly,  and they are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in systems. So what are the biggest cybersecurity threats to watch out for in the coming months and years? Cybersecurity Threats Across the Globe Let’s [...]

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As the world becomes increasingly digitized, cybersecurity threats are becoming more and more prevalent. Cybercriminals are able to move quickly,  and they are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in systems. So what are the biggest cybersecurity threats to watch out for in the coming months and years?

Cybersecurity Threats Across the Globe

Let’s take a look at the cybersecurity threats currently making headlines first.

John Fokker, head of threat intelligence at Trellix and a member of the new Trellix Advanced Research Center, and Martin Zugec, technical solutions director at Bitdefender, recently spoke to CRN. They outlined the top ten cybersecurity threats they’re seeing today.

They included digital extortion tactics such as ransomware, cybercriminals acting on behalf of governments as nation-state actors, and attacks that targeted vulnerable software and supply chains amongst others.

The volume of cyberattacks worldwide is also increasing. IBM reports that X-Force saw a nearly 25% rise in cybersecurity incidents from 2020 to 2021. Check Point Software Technologies also claims a 50% increase in overall network attacks per week in 2021 compared to 2020.

ClearFuze has IT consultants here in Los Angeles who are ready and standing by to help.

What Are Cybersecurity Threats, and How Do They Work?

So, when we say cybersecurity threats, what is the threat exactly? Cybersecurity threats are any type of threat that can exploit a vulnerability in a computer system, network, or application. These threats can cause damage or disruption to the data or systems that they target.

There are many different types of cybersecurity threats, but some of the most common include malware, phishing attacks, SQL injection attacks, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.

Any type of business is vulnerable. In fact, cybersecurity threats don’t discriminate. They can target small businesses, large enterprises, government agencies, and even individuals.

That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the potential cybersecurity threats that exist and to have measures in place to protect yourself and your business.

Cybersecurity threats can have a number of different objectives. Some cybercriminals may be looking to steal sensitive data, like customer information or credit card numbers. Others may be looking to disrupt operations or extort money from victims.

Whatever the objective, cybersecurity attacks can have serious consequences. They can lead to data breaches, financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal liabilities.

That’s why cybersecurity should be taken seriously by businesses of all sizes.

The Biggest Cybersecurity Threats of 2023

So what are the biggest cybersecurity threats to watch out for in the coming months and years? Here are the biggest cybersecurity threats to watch out for in 2023:

1. Ransomware

2. Phishing scams

3. Malware

4. Data breaches

5. Identity theft

Each of these threats are only growing in size. The average cost of a cyber attack due to malware is $1.4 million. The cost of a web-based attack is the same. And it is important to note that these figures do not take into account the money a business loses due to the disruption caused by these attacks.

Let’s discuss each of these threats in depth:

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and then demands a ransom be paid in order to decrypt the files. Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common in recent years, and they can be devastating for businesses.

In many cases, businesses that are attacked by ransomware find that they cannot access their data or systems until the ransom is paid. This can lead to significant financial losses and disruptions to operations. In some cases, businesses have even been forced to close down due to these attacks.

Ransomware attacks can be costly, but they can also be prevented. That’s why it’s so important for businesses to have cybersecurity measures in place to protect against these threats.

Examples of ransomware threats include :

These are just a few of the many ransomware threats that exist. And new ones are being created all the time.

The best way to protect against ransomware is to have a good cybersecurity strategy in place. This should include measures like having backups of your data, training your employees on cybersecurity best practices, and using security software to protect your systems. ClearFuze can help.

Phishing scams

Phishing scams are another type of cybersecurity threat that is on the rise. These scams typically involve a cybercriminal posing as a trusted entity in order to trick victims into giving them sensitive information.

This information can then be used to commit fraud or theft. In some cases, phishing attacks can also be used to install malware on a victim’s computer.

Phishing attacks can be difficult to detect, which is why they are so dangerous. They can have serious consequences for businesses, including data breaches and financial losses.

That’s why it’s so important for businesses to have measures in place to protect against these threats. This includes things like training employees on how to spot phishing emails and using security software to filter out these emails.

Some of the most common types of phishing attacks include :

– Emails that appear to be from a trusted source, like a bank or credit card company

– bogus websites that are designed to look like legitimate websites

– texts or instant messages that contain links to malicious websites

These are just a few of the many types of phishing attacks that exist. New ones are being created all the time.

The best way to protect against phishing scams is to have a good cybersecurity strategy in place. This should include measures like training your employees on cybersecurity best practices and using security software to protect your systems. ClearFuze is here to do what is needed to protect your business.

Malware

Malware is a type of software that is designed to damage or disable computers. It can be used to steal data, commit fraud, or cause other types of damage.

Malware can be spread in a number of ways, including through email attachments, websites, and even USB drives. Once it is installed on a computer, it can be difficult to remove.

Malware can have serious consequences for businesses. It can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and disruptions to operations. In some cases, malware can even destroy data or render systems unusable.

That’s why it’s so important for businesses to have cybersecurity measures in place to protect against these threats. This includes things like using security software to  detect and remove malware, and having backups of your data in case it is lost or destroyed.

Some of the most common types of malware include:

  • Viruses
  • Worms
  • Trojans
  • Spyware
  • Adware

Data breaches

Data breaches are a serious cybersecurity threat that can have far-reaching consequences. They occur when sensitive or confidential information is accessed without authorization.

This information can be used to commit fraud or theft, or it can be sold on the black market. In some cases, data breaches can also lead to identity theft.

Data breaches can have serious consequences for businesses, including financial losses, reputational damage, and disruptions to operations. In some cases, they can even result in legal action.

That’s why it’s so important for businesses to have measures in place to protect against these threats. This includes things like encrypting data, having strong security policies and procedures in place, and training employees on cybersecurity best practices.

Some of the most common types of data breaches include :

  • Hacking
  • Social engineering
  • Insider threat
  • Physical theft
  • Malware

These are just a few of the many types of data breaches that exist. New ones are being created all the time.

The best way to protect against them is to have a strong cybersecurity strategy in place. This should include measures like encrypting your data, having strong security policies and procedures in place, and training your employees on cybersecurity best practices. ClearFuze can help you create a cybersecurity strategy that is tailored to your specific needs.

Identity theft

Identity theft is a type of fraud that occurs when someone uses another person’s personal information, like their Social Security number or bank account information, without their permission.

Identity theft can have serious consequences for the victim, including financial losses, damage to their credit score, and legal problems. In some cases, it can even lead to identity fraud, which is when the thief uses the victim’s information to commit crimes.

That’s why it’s so important for businesses to have measures in place to protect against this threat. This includes things like encrypting data, having strong security policies and procedures in place, and training employees on cybersecurity best practices.

ClearFuze prepares customized cybersecurity plans for every one of our clients using the ClearONE Solution. For the best cybersecurity coverage in Los Angeles, contact ClearFuze today.

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Using Single Sign-On (SSO) to Improve Cybersecurity— What Is It? https://clearfuze.com/blog/using-single-sign-on-sso-to-improve-cybersecurity-what-is-it/ Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:58:03 +0000 https://clearfuze.com/?p=2099 Most business owners have a general understanding of cybersecurity and the measures that must be taken to keep them protected. But, as a premier ITSM and cybersecurity firm serving the Los Angeles region, we get a lot of questions about SSO, or single sign-on. What is SSO? And how can it help improve cybersecurity for [...]

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Most business owners have a general understanding of cybersecurity and the measures that must be taken to keep them protected. But, as a premier ITSM and cybersecurity firm serving the Los Angeles region, we get a lot of questions about SSO, or single sign-on. What is SSO? And how can it help improve cybersecurity for businesses — even small- to medium-sized ones?

In a nutshell, SSO is an authentication process that allows users to access multiple applications with one set of credentials. This is opposed to the more traditional method of requiring separate login information for each individual application. SSO is considered more secure because it reduces the number of opportunities for cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive information.

Of course, it’s not the only solution for improving cybersecurity. But, when used in combination with other best practices, SSO can be a powerful tool for protecting your business against cyberattacks.

  • If you’re interested in learning more about how SSO can help improve cybersecurity for your business, contact the experts at ClearFuze today. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have.

Cybersecurity Before SSO

The old-fashioned way to deal with applications was problematic.  If you had five different applications, you would need to remember five different username and password combinations. Not only is this a burden on users, but it’s also an open invitation for cyber criminals.

The process of creating unique login credentials for each application is also time-consuming and error-prone. Employees might write down their passwords or use the same password for multiple applications, which weakens security.

And if an employee leaves the company, you would need to go through each application and change the password — a process that’s both time-consuming and vulnerable to human error.

Overall, the old way of doing things left businesses more exposed and vulnerable. It also meant that users were less productive because they had to remember multiple login credentials and deal with the hassle of resetting passwords.

How SSO Was Developed

SSO was first introduced in the late 1990s as a solution to the problem of managing multiple passwords. At the time, most businesses used Active Directory (AD), which is a Microsoft directory service that authenticates and authorizes user access.

With AD, businesses could manage user accounts and control access to applications. However, they still needed a way to simplify the login process for users. That’s where SSO comes in.

With SSO, businesses could use AD to manage user accounts and then set up an SSO solution to handle authentication. This way, users would only need to remember one set of credentials to access all their applications.

Nowadays, there are many different SSO solutions available, and they don’t all require AD. This is good news for businesses that don’t want to use AD or that are using a mix of on-premises and cloud-based applications.

Now, just because SSO is available, doesn’t mean many of our new clients are taking advantage of it.  In our experience, a lot of business owners are still using the old, traditional methods — even though they know it’s not as secure.

Part of the reason for this is that they don’t fully understand how SSO works and what benefits it can offer. So, let’s take a closer look.

SSO and Cybersecurity Advantages

There are a number of benefits that come with using SSO for smaller businesses in the architecture, entertainment, finance, law, and healthcare sectors, including:

  1. Improved security: As we just mentioned, SSO can help improve security by reducing the risk of password reuse and minimizing the chances of phishing attacks.
  2. Reduced costs: SSO can also help reduce the costs associated with password management, such as resetting passwords and dealing with forgotten passwords.
  3. Increased productivity: Users can access the applications they need without having to remember multiple sets of login credentials. This can lead to increased productivity as users spend less time trying to log in to different applications.
  4. Better compliance: SSO can help businesses meet compliance requirements, such as those set forth by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

SSO Is Not the Only Answer for Solid Cybersecurity

SSO is an important step for businesses to secure their errant passwords, but it’s still only a single step. As we mentioned before, SSO won’t do anything to stop a determined hacker.

For example, if an employee falls for a phishing attack and reveals their login credentials, a hacker can use those credentials to access all the applications that person has permission for — even if those applications are using SSO.

Today many business owners have no idea about the breaches that exist involving their SSO info.  Many breaches go undetected for years. BitSight, a security ratings firm, recently published a study showing that 25 percent of the S&P 500 and half of the top 20 most valuable public U.S companies have had at least one SSO credential for sale on the dark web in 2022. 

In recent weeks an SSO hack made headlines. An 18-year-old hacker managed to bypass the security measures put into place by ridesharing giant Uber. The teenager got into its email and cloud systems, code repositories, internal Slack account, and HackerOne tickets. How did they do it? By impersonating a member of the IT department and sending an employee a text requesting their password. That’s all it took!

This goes to show that no matter how big or small your business is, you need to have a solid cybersecurity strategy in place.

Implement a Layered Security Approach Including SSO

What can business owners do to prevent these types of attacks? It’s important to have a layered security approach that includes other cybersecurity measures, such as:

  • Two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to confirm their identity with something they know (e.g. a password) and something they have (e.g. a code sent to their phone).
  • Identity and access management: This helps businesses control which users have access to which applications and data.
  • Security awareness training: This helps employees learn how to spot phishing attacks and other cybersecurity threats. As you saw in the example involving Uber above, a single employee’s lack of preparation can cost a business millions. All it takes is one wrong click. ClearFuze includes worker training in every customized ClearONE package for our clients.
  • Disaster recovery: This helps businesses recover from attacks and other disasters.
  • Data protection: This helps businesses protect their data from being accessed or used without permission.
  • Quick IT support in emergency situations: This helps businesses get the IT support they need quickly and without leaving themselves more vulnerable.

By implementing a layered security approach that includes SSO, businesses can help improve their cybersecurity posture and reduce the risk of attacks. While single sign-on (SSO) can offer some advantages from a cybersecurity perspective, it’s important to remember that it’s not the only answer when it comes to solid cybersecurity.

A layered approach that includes other measures, such as two-factor authentication, identity and access management, security awareness training, and quick IT support in emergency situations, is the way to go.

If you’re interested in implementing SSO for your business, reach out to us. We’d be happy to help you get started. ClearFuze is the Los Angeles cybersecurity leader with years of experience. We specialize in the comprehensive ClearONE solution, which includes cybersecurity and other crucial IT services.

Contact us today!

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Multi-Factor Authentication Solutions In Los Angeles https://clearfuze.com/blog/multi-factor-authentication-solutions-in-los-angeles/ Mon, 05 Sep 2022 22:03:02 +0000 https://clearfuze.com/?p=1946 ClearFuze offers top-of-the-line security solutions to keep your data safe. Our multi-factor authentication services are the latest and most effective way to protect your information. We are proud to offer our services to businesses in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. We specialize in IT for entertainment, legal, medical, finance, and architecture companies in Southern California. [...]

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ClearFuze offers top-of-the-line security solutions to keep your data safe. Our multi-factor authentication services are the latest and most effective way to protect your information. We are proud to offer our services to businesses in Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

We specialize in IT for entertainment, legal, medical, finance, and architecture companies in Southern California. Our Los Angeles IT consultants customize your ClearONE offering to include top-of-the-line data protections, including two-factor and multi-factor authentication solutions.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication or 2FA?

Multi-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, is an authentication method that requires more than one piece of evidence to verify a user’s identity. This can include something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a security token), or something the user is (like a fingerprint).

2FA is an important security measure because it makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your data. Even if they have your password, they will not be able to log in unless they also have your security token or fingerprint.

2FA is important for businesses — even small businesses — because it can help prevent data breaches. A data breach can be costly, not only in terms of the money spent to fix the problem,but also in terms of the damage to your reputation. Multi-factor authentication can help you avoid these costly breaches.

ClearFuze offers a variety of 2FA solutions to meet the needs of your business. 

Multi-Factor Authentication for Industries

The healthcare industry is under constant attack from cyber criminals. Multi-factor authentication can help you protect your patient data and keep your practice compliant with HIPAA regulations.

ClearFuze offers a variety of 2FA solutions to meet the needs of the healthcare industry, including:

– Two-factor authentication for desktop and laptop computers

– Multi-factor authentication for mobile devices

– SMS and email alerts

– Secure login with biometrics

We also offer a variety of other IT security solutions, such as malware protection and intrusion detection.

The legal industry is another target for cyber criminals. Multi-factor authentication can help you protect your client data and keep your firm compliant with the rules of professional conduct.

The financial industry is yet another target for cyber criminals. Multi-factor authentication can help you protect your customer data and keep your business compliant with regulations.

Why Protect Small Business Data

Small business owners often do not believe they can be targeted by hackers or cyber-criminals. Unfortunately, there is no target too small. In fact, small businesses are often targeted because they are less likely to have robust security measures in place.

Multi-factor authentication can help you protect your data and avoid costly breaches. A data breach can cost a small business thousands of dollars — money that could be used to grow the business. In addition, a data breach can damage your reputation and make it hard to attract new customers.

Consider the most recent headlines:

  • Phishing and ransomware attacks for small businesses are way up. This is believed to be due, in part, to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 
  • In January 2022, Crypto.com was hacked and nearly 500 crypto wallets were infiltrated. This resulted in total losses of well over $35 million — and no one has ever been identified or arrested.
  • Ronin’s Axie Infinity game was hacked for months and only discovered around March of 2022. This resulted in a staggering 600+ million in cryptocurrency losses. Bizarrely, this one is believed to have been infiltrated using a fake LinkedIn job offer.

Contact us today to learn more about our security solutions. Multi-factor authentication is an important tool in keeping your data safe. With ClearFuze, you can rest assured that your data is well protected. Come to us for managed IT services in Hollywood and the greater LA region.

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What can Cybersecurity Risk Assessments Discover? https://clearfuze.com/blog/cybersecurity-risk-assessment/ Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:35:36 +0000 https://clearfuze.com/?p=1922 Every business needs to ensure its information is kept safe from hackers, malware, viruses, and other threats. The first step in preventing a breach is to conduct a cybersecurity assessment for IT stack and networks. Conducting a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment is something all businesses should be concerned with. For example, your company likely uses internet-based [...]

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Every business needs to ensure its information is kept safe from hackers, malware, viruses, and other threats. The first step in preventing a breach is to conduct a cybersecurity assessment for IT stack and networks.

Conducting a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment is something all businesses should be concerned with. For example, your company likely uses internet-based applications, such as websites, email, cloud storage, and other online services. In that case, you need to be concerned with having the protection that a cybersecurity assessment can provide.

Cybersecurity assessments can provide a detailed analysis of your company’s security positioning and identify potential areas of concern. Once recognized through a cybersecurity assessment, these issues can be addressed and improved before a cyber threat becomes an problem.

In this post, we’ll talk about what a cybersecurity assessment is, why it’s a good idea, how you can have one conducted on your behalf, and why ClearFuze is the best choice for your cybersecurity assessment.

Why Are Cybersecurity Risk Assessments Conducted?

Cybersecurity risk assessments can help your company protect against malicious hackers and other threats. A risk assessment can be performed on any type of business, whether a small mom-and-pop shop or a huge corporation. 

In order to conduct a cybersecurity risk assessment, you’ll need to perform a thorough threat analysis, which will include the conducting of a deep dive into the current state of your business and a close look at all areas that could be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. 

You’ll also need to look at the current state of your organization and all of your systems, including your network, servers, databases, and applications. You’ll then need to make a list of all of your current assets and vulnerabilities. 

After this, you’ll need to do an inventory of your current systems and look at the threats currently being made against them. Next, you’ll need to determine which threats are most dangerous to your business and which are most likely to succeed. Prioritize these threats based on how damaging they could be to your business. Finally, after prioritizing your threats, you’ll need to identify which of them pose the most significant risk to your business and which ones you can most easily defend. 

Finally, you’ll need to determine how many resources are required to mitigate each threat and prioritize your defenses accordingly. This step is essential because if you don’t take precautions against known threats, a cyber attack could severely impact your business.

How to Perform a CyberSecurity Risk Assessment

You’ll need to run a complete threat analysis to determine if you’re vulnerable to any of these risks. An excellent place to start is with an IT services management company like ClearFuze, which provides comprehensive threat information and helps you stay up-to-date on the latest threats. ClearFuze also does far more, covering all of your day-to-day IT technology concerns. It’s all part of our ClearOne solution, available to every one of our clients.

Identify Your Top Threats

Once you’ve performed a thorough threat analysis, you should be able to identify your top threats. However, before you begin, ensure you have the correct data and use the right tools. If you’re not, you may be missing crucial information about the threats that are most likely to succeed. For example, suppose you’re using an email client that doesn’t provide access to your servers. In that case, you won’t be able to tell if someone has accessed your servers via email. You’ll need to make sure you have the correct tools to perform a thorough threat analysis.

How Does Conducting a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Help Me Protect My Business From a Cyber Attack?

A cybersecurity risk assessment helps you identify areas where you can improve your defenses to protect your business from cyberattacks. Once you identify these areas, you can implement safeguards to make your business more secure. A cybersecurity risk assessment is similar to a fire drill, where you evaluate your current practices and find ways to improve them. You can use the framework to identify gaps in your current security measures. For example, if your business uses email or cloud storage for customer information, you should consider implementing additional security measures.

 The risk assessment identifies weaknesses in your business’s cybersecurity strategy. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to pinpoint what went wrong if you’ve ever been involved in an incident. And when it comes to cyberattacks, attackers often use sophisticated methods to mask their identities and remain anonymous. As a result, it’s not unusual for a cyberattack to go undetected until it’s too late. 

That’s why a cybersecurity risk assessment is so critical. First, it gives you a snapshot of your current state. It helps you see how effective your current cybersecurity measures are, and it lets you find ways to strengthen those measures. It’s also one of the best ways to prevent future attacks.

What Is a Cybersecurity Vulnerability Assessment?

A vulnerability assessment is a process of discovering security weaknesses in your system. It’s done to discover what is vulnerable and what can be attacked. 

The purpose of vulnerability assessments is to ensure that your systems are secure and that you are protected from potential threats. To complete a vulnerability assessment, you will need to look at your system from every angle. This includes looking at hardware, software, and network. Once you have completed a vulnerability assessment, you can determine the vulnerabilities that need to be fixed and then implement a plan to fix them.

Types of Cybersecurity Vulnerability Assessments 

There are different types of vulnerability assessments. These include:

Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessments

This is the most comprehensive type of vulnerability assessment. It involves a combination of all three aspects of security (hardware, software, and network). Therefore, this type of assessment is the most comprehensive but takes more time to complete.

Penetration Testing

This vulnerability assessment is focused on finding security holes in your software and networks. In addition, it looks for known vulnerabilities in software that could be used to hack into your system.

Code Review

This type of assessment focuses on reviewing code to identify any flaws. Developers typically do it before the code is released to production. An excellent example of this is when a peer developer reviews the code. The peer reviewer looks for potential security issues that a regular code review may not detect.

Network and Systems Vulnerability Assessment

A network and systems vulnerability assessment is similar to a penetration test, except that it is done from the inside out.

What Does a Vulnerability Assessment Look Like?

Cybersecurity assessments are designed to identify vulnerabilities and risks associated with your organization’s network and computer systems. It can also help you determine whether your systems comply with current regulations, such as PCI, HIPAA, or other industry standards.

The vulnerability assessment process consists of three main steps:

(1) the identification of potential issues

(2) the prioritization of these issues

(3) the implementation of remediation plans

What Are the Benefits of Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment?

There are many reasons why an organization should conduct a cybersecurity vulnerability assessment. A vulnerability assessment helps to:

• Determine if the systems in your network are compliant with current regulations

• Identify potential data leakage risks

• Determine if the systems in your network are vulnerable to hackers

• Find out if any of your systems contain malicious software

• Provide recommendations on how to improve the security of your network

• Determine if your network and systems are vulnerable to a future cyberattack

• Improve the security posture of the network

• Find out if there are any gaps in your current cybersecurity program

• Improve system efficiency and productivity

• Determine whether any of your systems have been compromised

What Are Some Common Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities?

Cybersecurity is a complex field that changes often. To keep up with these changes, it’s essential to know about current issues and what they threaten. In addition, there are many different types of vulnerabilities, such as:

SQL injection – SQL Injection is a programming flaw that allows malicious users to modify data, add new data, or delete existing data. The attacker inserts special characters into input forms, and this causes the application to execute an unexpected SQL query.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) – Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is an attack technique that allows malicious users to compromise web applications by injecting malicious code into the data they send to the application.

Malware – Malware is software installed on a computer without the user’s knowledge. It can damage the computer’s operating system and corrupt files. Malware comes in different forms, including keyloggers, trojans, rootkits, and worms. Malware is a severe threat to both individual users and organizations.

Phishing – an attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as bank account details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. For example, an e-mail might appear to be coming from a bank or another trusted source and request personal or financial information. They can even pose as your employer or a government agency to steal your personal data.

Ransomware – Ransomware is the name given to programs that lock down your computer and demand money in order to restore access. There are two main types of ransomware: encrypting malware and crypto-ransomware. Encrypting malware is malware that encrypts all of your files and demands money in exchange for a decryption key. Crypto-ransomware is malware that encrypts your files and holds them hostage, until you pay a ransom. 

Spyware – Spyware is software installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent. It is usually used to monitor your behavior. Still, it can also log your keystrokes, passwords, browsing history, and other personal information.

Viruses – Viruses are pieces of code (also called “malware”) that replicate themselves automatically. Once they have infected a system, a virus can perform various malicious actions such as erasing data, shutting down systems, and sending spam.

Adware – Adware, or ad-supported software, displays ads along with a piece of content, like a video, that the user requested.

These are just a few of the common vulnerabilities that people encounter online. If you’re looking to protect yourself against these attacks, getting a security assessment is a good idea. This way, you can find out exactly where your weaknesses are and learn how to prevent them.

How ClearFuze Helps Protect Your Business

Are you seeking firewall management services In Los Angeles? ClearFuze, an IT consultant in Los Angeles, helps businesses of all sizes monitor their cybersecurity status, prevent and respond to attacks, and recover quickly. We offer proactive monitoring services, endpoint protection, data backup, and disaster recovery plans — all as part of the comprehensive ClearONE soluton.

ClearFuze provides high-quality cybersecurity in Los Angeles to help small businesses and Fortune 1000 companies alike stay ahead of the ever-changing threat landscape. 

Consider hiring a managed service provider for MSP consulting to provide you with the best security measures and tools you need to stay ahead of hackers and cybercriminals. This will ensure that your business doesn’t suffer any losses due to a cyberattack. MSPs are experienced in protecting businesses against all types of attacks, including those targeting social media accounts, email accounts, cloud services, and mobile apps.

The ClearONE Effect On Cyberattacks

ClearFuze helps businesses of all sizes to monitor their security posture, prevent and respond to attacks, and recover quickly if attacks occur. We offer proactive monitoring services, endpoint protection, data backup, and disaster recovery plans.

Our ClearONE services also enable your business to access 24/7/365 support, maintenance, connectivity, and disaster recovery. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that if your business experiences a security breach or other issue, we have the tools and resources to help you fix it. 

What makes us different? ClearFuze provides more than just a set of tools; we help you implement those tools in a way that works for you. You’ll also receive a customized roadmap for implementing ClearONE, so you can start making an impact right away. We help organizations of all sizes get ahead of the cybersecurity threat, with training and comprehensive onboarding

Suppose you’re not sure where to start. In that case, we offer a comprehensive complimentary assessment so you can see how the ClearONE solution from ClearFuze can benefit you.

Whether you don’t currently have IT support, are looking for a new IT solution, or already have in-house IT, ClearFuze can help.

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Thank You — Help ClearFuze Support The Claire’s Place Foundation, Founded by Claire Wineland https://clearfuze.com/blog/thank-you-help-clearfuze-support-the-claires-place-foundation/ Tue, 09 Aug 2022 17:57:58 +0000 https://clearfuze.com/?p=1897 The Claire Wineland Foundation is an organization that supports children and their families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). Since 2011, Claire’s Place has helped thousands of individuals and families through grants, events, and special projects. What is Cystic Fibrosis? Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, progressive disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. It is [...]

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The Claire Wineland Foundation is an organization that supports children and their families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). Since 2011, Claire’s Place has helped thousands of individuals and families through grants, events, and special projects.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, progressive disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. It is caused by a defective gene that causes the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky mucus. This mucus buildup can damage the lungs and block the pancreas, preventing enzymes from properly digesting food. Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disease that currently has no cure.

There are approximately 30,000 people living with cystic fibrosis in the United States. The median age of survival for people with cystic fibrosis is now 37 years old, but this number is constantly increasing as treatments continue to improve.

While cystic fibrosis can affect people of any age, it most often occurs in children.

Cystic Fibrosis and Children

Pediatric cystic fibrosis is most often diagnosed in children between the ages of two and five. However, cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed as early as birth. Newborn screening programs have helped to identify many babies with cystic fibrosis before they develop any symptoms.

Children with cystic fibrosis often have a cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and recurrent lung infections. They may also have poor growth despite a good appetite, diarrhea, constipation, and salty-tasting skin. As the disease progresses, they may experience liver and kidney problems, diabetes, and infertility.

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but there are treatments available that can help people manage the disease and extend their life expectancy.

Claire’s Place Foundation

ClearFuze is proud to partner with and provide support for the amazing Claire’s Place Foundation, a foundation for cystic fibrosis support. 

ClearFuze provided Claire’s Place with a remote desktop program for their servers and remote access to their systems, along with strengthened managed security initiatives.

Our goal is to ensure that the foundation’s staff and volunteers can continue to use their computers and networks easily while maintaining privacy and security. We are committed to supporting this important cause, and look forward to helping the foundation make a difference in the lives of the youngest CF patients in the greater Los Angeles area.

CTA: Learn more about IT services management from ClearFuze 

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Improve Business Internal Efficiencies In A Down Economy https://clearfuze.com/blog/improve-business-internal-efficiencies-with-it/ Mon, 08 Aug 2022 21:38:34 +0000 https://clearfuze.com/?p=1894 The United States economy seems to be at a bit of a crossroads these days. And while it’s natural to want to hunker down and ride out these tough times, now is actually the perfect time to focus on your business internal efficiencies. Political turmoil, job insecurity, and business uncertainty are just some of the [...]

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The United States economy seems to be at a bit of a crossroads these days. And while it’s natural to want to hunker down and ride out these tough times, now is actually the perfect time to focus on your business internal efficiencies.

Political turmoil, job insecurity, and business uncertainty are just some of the stressors that Americans are currently dealing with. Politico refers to it as a pinball back-and-forth, writing:

“Is anyone else noticing a pattern? Recession talk hits a fever pitch, only to be knocked down by yet another reminder that the U.S. economy — or at least, the labor market — still appears to have quite a bit of momentum.

The pinballing continued last week, as worries over an imminent downturn hit a crescendo. That is, until another buoyant report reaffirmed the resiliency of the job market, swinging the narrative back again.”

The New York Times cited 8 measures all pointing to a slowing economy, including the dropping of retail sales, real estate signaling problems, and the poor performance of the stock market.

Five Business Internal Efficiencies to Focus On

There are a number of ways that you can use technology to improve business internal efficiencies, and doing so can help you weather any economic storm. Here are just a few ideas:

  1. Automate business processes
  2. Use data to make better decisions
  3. Implement flexible work solutions
  4. Invest in employee training and development
  5. Create a collaborative culture

Automate Business Processes

One of the best ways to improve business internal efficiencies is to automate business processes. This can free up time and resources that can be better used elsewhere.

There are a number of ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to use business process management (BPM) software. This type of software helps you map out business processes and then automate them.

BPM software can be used for a wide range of tasks, from onboarding new employees to managing customer service requests. And because it’s designed to be user-friendly, it’s easy to get started with BPM software even if you’re not a tech expert.

ClearFuze uses a variety of BPM software best suited for your industry, including those in the healthcare and medical sector, architecture, entertainment, investment and finance, and legal. Our expert team can also construct and customize BPM software for your business.

Use Data To Make Better Decisions

Another way to improve business internal efficiencies is to use data to make better decisions. This means having a data-driven approach to decision-making.

There are a number of ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to use business intelligence (BI) software. BI software helps you collect, store, and analyze data. This data can then be used to make better business decisions.

BI software can be used for a wide range of tasks, from identifying new business opportunities to improving customer service. And because it’s designed to be user-friendly, it’s easy to get started with BI software even if you’re not a tech expert.

We don’t want to sound like a broken record, but ClearFuze has years of experience in the realm of business intelligence software. We design quite a bit of it ourselves for our clients. If you’re ready to launch on BI software, let’s get started

Implement Flexible Work Solutions

Another way to improve business internal efficiencies is to implement flexible work solutions. This can help you make better use of your workforce and improve employee productivity.

There are a number of ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to use remote work solutions. Remote work solutions allow employees to work from anywhere, whether that’s at home, in a coffee shop, or on the go.

Remote work solutions can be used for a wide range of tasks, from managing customer service requests to collaborating on projects. And because they’re designed to be user-friendly, they’re easy to get started with even if you’re not a tech expert.

Many of our clients went partially or fully remote beginning in 2019, but many have remained in the same setup ever since. The ClearONE solution covers your staff no matter where they are in the world. The same goes for their equipment, network connectivity, and security. 

Invest In Employee Training and Development

Another way to improve business internal efficiencies is to invest in employee training and development. This can help you ensure that your employees are up-to-date on the latest skills and knowledge.

There are a number of ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to use eLearning solutions. eLearning solutions allow you to create and deliver online training courses. This type of training is convenient and cost-effective.

eLearning solutions can be used for a wide range of tasks, from onboarding new employees to continuing professional development. And because they’re designed to be user-friendly, they’re easy to get started with even if you’re not a tech expert.

The ClearONE solution doesn’t just configure and solve your company’s existing IT issues. It also includes a rigorous but clear and simple employee training program, with modules on everything from phishing scams to how to create a technical IT ticket.

Create a Collaborative Culture

Last on the list is the creation of a collaborative culture at work. This means promoting a culture of collaboration and teamwork.

There are a number of ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to use communication and collaboration tools. These tools allow employees to communicate and collaborate with each other in real time.

Communication and collaboration tools can be used for a wide range of tasks, from managing customer service requests to collaborating on projects. The programs on communication and collaboration designed and run by ClearFuze are truly user friendly.

Business Internal Efficiencies Are In Your Hands

ClearFuze is the leading expert for all five of these smart, money and time-saving business internal technology efficiencies. Need proof? Schedule a call with us today. 

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Cybersecurity Spending in the Recession https://clearfuze.com/blog/cybersecurity-spending-in-the-recession/ Mon, 08 Aug 2022 13:07:58 +0000 https://clearfuze.com/?p=1891 Despite a looming global recession, cybersecurity spending is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years. Companies are scrambling to protect themselves from cyber attacks. Estimated cybersecurity spending will rise to $1.75 trillion by 2025. As the global economy continues to struggle, businesses are looking for ways to cut costs and increase efficiency wherever [...]

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Despite a looming global recession, cybersecurity spending is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years. Companies are scrambling to protect themselves from cyber attacks. Estimated cybersecurity spending will rise to $1.75 trillion by 2025.

As the global economy continues to struggle, businesses are looking for ways to cut costs and increase efficiency wherever possible. In recent years, this has led to a decrease in capital spending — for some — on new technology and infrastructure, along with a reduction in IT security spending. 

The recession excuse may seem like the perfect opportunity to implement cost-cutting measures concerning cybersecurity. However, while IT security budgets have shrunk considerably over the past few years, this is not necessarily indicative of widespread complacency regarding cyber attacks. And businesses cutting costs AND trying to secure their networks are struggling to avoid vulnerability at a time when hackers are more sophisticated and successful than ever. 

Read on to learn about some of the most prominent cybersecurity threats facing small and medium-sized businesses today, and how spending is racing to meet the challenge. 

The Importance of Cybersecurity Spending In Recessions

Ransomware: A Growing Threat

One of the key reasons businesses should still invest in cybersecurity during a recession is ransomware, also called crypto-malware. These attacks tend to increase significantly during periods of economic decline. Last year ransomware was identified as the top threat type. In the third quarter of 2021, attacks increased by a whopping 140 percent. The amount of money ransomware attackers seek is also increasing. The average ransom payment increased by 82 percent in the last two years.

For example, the recent WannaCry attack was a prime example of crypto-malware. This attack affected more than 200,000 businesses in 150 countries. The attackers demanded a ransom of $300 in Bitcoin to decrypt the data.

Another famous example is the Petya/NotPetya attack, which affected more than 10,000 businesses in Ukraine. Again, the attackers demanded a ransom of $300 in Bitcoin to decrypt the data. This type of malware is particularly dangerous because it can spread quickly and can cause significant damage to businesses.

Research shows that cyber attacks increase during periods of recession, given that cyber criminals are incentivized to attack businesses during difficult economic times. This is because the cost of executing cyber attacks remains relatively low. 

In contrast, the cost of business interruption and potential reputational damage is much higher. This is particularly true given that businesses are more desperate to hold on to their customers during a recession. Thus, a major cyber breach could be particularly damaging to their bottom line. This is why many businesses will increase their cybersecurity spending during a recession, given that they want to reduce the risk associated with a cyber attack.

Phishing Attacks On the Rise

Another key cybersecurity threat that businesses should be aware of during a recession is phishing. Phishing attacks have increased significantly in the past few years, as cyber criminals have become more sophisticated in their tactics. In the first half of 2020, there was a 400 percent increase in phishing attacks compared to the same period in 2019. This is because phishing emails are becoming more personalized and targeted.

During a recession, businesses are more likely to be targets of phishing attacks given that they are under increased financial stress. This is because cyber criminals know that businesses will be more likely to pay a ransom if they are facing financial difficulties. So it is important for businesses to be aware of this threat and to invest in cybersecurity measures to protect themselves.

ClearFuze Offers Smart Managed Services for Your Security

ClearFuze creates customized ClearONE plans for all of our clients, tailored to industry and business needs. Whether your employees work from the office, their homes, or a mixture of the two, ClearONE enables comprehensive protections against ransomware, malware and phishing.

Read on to learn more about how managed services provider (MSP) consulting safeguards you against cyber threats.

The ClearONE cybersecurity plan is a smart spending option. Rather than acting as a partner or vendor, ClearFuze becomes the IT extension of your company, working in lockstep with your goals. Here are just a few of the proactive ways ClearONE protects you and your firm:

  • Comprehensive risk assessments
  • Endpoint encryption
  • Cloud authentication
  • Patch management
  • Gateway intrusion detection systems (IDS)
  • Password management 
  • Domain name system (DNS) filtering services
  • Software monitoring and updates

In addition to the measures listed above, ClearFuze can also assist with custom cybersecurity projects based on business needs. Industries such as healthcare, legal, and private equity firms often come with additional security regulations and requirements. Contact us today to learn about the many affordable cybersecurity spending and investment options we offer for these verticals.

Schedule a meeting with CEO Jason Gilbert today to learn more about how ClearFuze can help you to improve your cybersecurity.

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Prepare Your Business For A Recession By Investing In Technology https://clearfuze.com/uncategorized/prepare-your-business-for-a-recession-by-investing-in-technology/ Thu, 28 Jul 2022 19:35:22 +0000 https://clearfuze.com/?p=1886 We can’t predict the future, but as a team of IT professionals, it is 100% our job to prepare you for any eventuality. That includes whatever happens next with the economy. Investing in IT for your business is the best way we know to recession-proof your organization. What’s Happening With the Economy? The economy is [...]

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We can’t predict the future, but as a team of IT professionals, it is 100% our job to prepare you for any eventuality. That includes whatever happens next with the economy. Investing in IT for your business is the best way we know to recession-proof your organization.

What’s Happening With the Economy?

The economy is slowing down. No one can deny that. We’ve seen it in the stock market and we’re seeing it in the news. Volatility appears to be the word of the year.

Businesses are starting to feel the effects of the slowdown, too. Many are cutting back on spending and hiring

Some experts are saying that a recession is inevitable. Others say that we’re already in a recession. And still others say that we’re not quite there yet but we will be soon. No one knows for sure what’s going to happen next, but it’s always better to be prepared.

So, how exactly can your business prepare for a recession by investing in technology when the purse strings are already tightened? Here are our eight key steps:

#1 Invest in systems that automate and streamline your business processes

One of the best ways to prepare for a recession is to invest in systems that automate and streamline your business processes. This will help you save time and money, which is especially important during tough economic times.

There are a number of different types of systems you can invest in, including:

  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
  • Business Intelligence (BI) systems

Each of these types of systems can help you run your business more efficiently and effectively. Investing in them now will help you weather any storm that comes your way.

#2 Invest in cloud-based solutions that can help you cut costs

Another way to prepare for a recession is to invest in cloud-based solutions. Cloud-based solutions can help you cut costs, which is important during tough economic times.

There are a number of different types of cloud-based solutions you can invest in, including:

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS)
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)

Each of these types of services can help you save money on infrastructure and software costs.

#3 Invest in data analytics tools that can help you make better decisions

Investing in data analytics tools is another great way to prepare for a recession. Data analytics tools can help you make better decisions, which is critical.

There are a number of different types of data analytics tools you can invest in, including:

  • Data mining tools
  • Data visualization tools
  • Business intelligence tools

Each of these types of tools can help you analyze data and make better decisions. Investing in them now will help you during the next recession.

#4 Invest in security solutions to protect your data and your business

Investing in security solutions is another smart way to prepare for a recession. Security solutions can help you protect your data and your business, which is always important.

There are a number of different types of security solutions you can invest in, including:

  • Firewalls
  • Anti-virus software
  • Intrusion detection systems

Each of these types of solutions can help you protect your data and your business. Investing in them now will help you during the next recession. 

#5 Invest in mobile technologies to keep your employees connected and productive

Mobile technologies can help you keep your employees connected and productive, which is important when they are forced to work remotely.

There are a number of different types of mobile technologies you can invest in, including:

  • Smartphones
  • Tablets
  • Laptops

Each of these types of devices can help you keep your employees connected and productive.

#6 Invest in collaborative tools to improve communication and collaboration within your team

Collaborative tools can help you improve communication and collaboration within your team.

There are a number of different types of collaborative tools you can invest in, including:

  • Group chat software
  • Project management software
  • Document sharing software

Use collaborative tools to better connect your teammates and foster trust and creativity.

#7 Invest in marketing automation tools to help you generate more leads and close more sales

Marketing automation tools can help you generate more leads and close more sales.

There are a number of different types of marketing automation tools you can invest in, including:

  • Lead generation software
  • Lead nurturing software
  • Sales automation software

Generate more leads and close more sales with these tools.

#8 Invest in customer relationship management (CRM) software to improve customer retention and loyalty

Finally, investing in customer relationship management (CRM) software is another smart way to prepare for a recession. CRM software can help you improve customer retention and loyalty, something you need when the economy falters.

There are a number of different types of CRM software you can invest in, including:

  • Salesforce CRM
  • HubSpot CRM
  • Zoho CRM

Each of these CRM types and options can help you improve customer retention and loyalty.

Investing In IT For Your Business Is Always the Right Move

Investing in any of the above can help you prepare for a recession by making your business more efficient, more productive, and more secure.

Don’t wait until a recession is upon us to start thinking about investing in technology for your business. Invest now and be prepared for whatever lies ahead. Your business will thank you for it.

For more information on how to prepare your business for a recession, contact our team of IT experts today. We’ll be happy to help you find the right solutions for your business.
This article was brought to you by ClearFuze, the leading managed services provider of IT solutions for companies in the healthcare and medical, architecture, entertainment, investment and finance, and legal sectors. Visit our website to learn more about our services or call us at (310) 340-6155.

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Improve Business Internal Efficiencies In A Down Economy https://clearfuze.com/uncategorized/business-internal-efficiencies-in-a-down-economy/ Wed, 27 Jul 2022 21:53:05 +0000 https://clearfuze.com/?p=1882 The United States economy seems to be at a bit of a crossroads these days. And while it’s natural to want to hunker down and ride out these tough times, now is actually the perfect time to focus on your business internal efficiencies. Political turmoil, job insecurity, and business uncertainty are just some of the [...]

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The United States economy seems to be at a bit of a crossroads these days. And while it’s natural to want to hunker down and ride out these tough times, now is actually the perfect time to focus on your business internal efficiencies.

Political turmoil, job insecurity, and business uncertainty are just some of the stressors that Americans are currently dealing with. Politico refers to it as a pinball back-and-forth, writing:

“Is anyone else noticing a pattern? Recession talk hits a fever pitch, only to be knocked down by yet another reminder that the U.S. economy — or at least, the labor market — still appears to have quite a bit of momentum.

The pinballing continued last week, as worries over an imminent downturn hit a crescendo. That is, until another buoyant report reaffirmed the resiliency of the job market, swinging the narrative back again.”

The New York Times cited 8 measures all pointing to a slowing economy, including the dropping of retail sales, real estate signaling problems, and the poor performance of the stock market.

Five Business Internal Efficiencies to Focus On

There are a number of ways that you can use technology to improve business internal efficiencies, and doing so can help you weather any economic storm. Here are just a few ideas:

  1. Automate business processes
  2. Use data to make better decisions
  3. Implement flexible work solutions
  4. Invest in employee training and development
  5. Create a collaborative culture

Automate Business Processes

One of the best ways to improve business internal efficiencies is to automate business processes. This can free up time and resources that can be better used elsewhere.

There are a number of ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to use business process management (BPM) software. This type of software helps you map out business processes and then automate them.

BPM software can be used for a wide range of tasks, from onboarding new employees to managing customer service requests. And because it’s designed to be user-friendly, it’s easy to get started with BPM software even if you’re not a tech expert.

ClearFuze uses a variety of BPM software best suited for your industry, including those in the healthcare and medical sector, architecture, entertainment, investment and finance, and legal. Our expert team can also construct and customize BPM software for your business.

Use Data To Make Better Decisions

Another way to improve business internal efficiencies is to use data to make better decisions. This means having a data-driven approach to decision-making.

There are a number of ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to use business intelligence (BI) software. BI software helps you collect, store, and analyze data. This data can then be used to make better business decisions.

BI software can be used for a wide range of tasks, from identifying new business opportunities to improving customer service. And because it’s designed to be user-friendly, it’s easy to get started with BI software even if you’re not a tech expert.

We don’t want to sound like a broken record, but ClearFuze has years of experience in the realm of business intelligence software. We design quite a bit of it ourselves for our clients. If you’re ready to launch on BI software, let’s get started

Implement Flexible Work Solutions

Another way to improve business internal efficiencies is to implement flexible work solutions. This can help you make better use of your workforce and improve employee productivity.

There are a number of ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to use remote work solutions. Remote work solutions allow employees to work from anywhere, whether that’s at home, in a coffee shop, or on the go.

Remote work solutions can be used for a wide range of tasks, from managing customer service requests to collaborating on projects. And because they’re designed to be user-friendly, they’re easy to get started with even if you’re not a tech expert.

Many of our clients went partially or fully remote beginning in 2019, but many have remained in the same setup ever since. The ClearONE solution covers your staff no matter where they are in the world. The same goes for their equipment, network connectivity, and security. 

Invest In Employee Training and Development

Another way to improve business internal efficiencies is to invest in employee training and development. This can help you ensure that your employees are up-to-date on the latest skills and knowledge.

There are a number of ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to use eLearning solutions. eLearning solutions allow you to create and deliver online training courses. This type of training is convenient and cost-effective.

eLearning solutions can be used for a wide range of tasks, from onboarding new employees to continuing professional development. And because they’re designed to be user-friendly, they’re easy to get started with even if you’re not a tech expert.

The ClearONE solution doesn’t just configure and solve your company’s existing IT issues. It also includes a rigorous but clear and simple employee training program, with modules on everything from phishing scams to how to create a technical IT ticket.

Create a Collaborative Culture

Last on the list is the creation of a collaborative culture at work. This means promoting a culture of collaboration and teamwork.

There are a number of ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to use communication and collaboration tools. These tools allow employees to communicate and collaborate with each other in real time.

Communication and collaboration tools can be used for a wide range of tasks, from managing customer service requests to collaborating on projects. The programs on communication and collaboration designed and run by ClearFuze are truly user friendly.

Business Internal Efficiencies Are In Your Hands

ClearFuze is the leading expert for all five of these smart, money and time-saving business internal technology efficiencies. Need proof? Schedule a call with us today.

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